


Generic Name: kava

What is kava?

Kava is a plant also known as Ava, Ava Root, Awa, Intoxicating Long Pepper, Kao, Kavain, Kavapipar, Kawa, Kawapfeffer, Kew, Lawena, Malohu, Maluk, Maori Kava, Meruk, Milik, Piper methysticum, Poivre des Cannibales, Poivre des Papous, Rauschpfeffer, Rhizome Di Kava-Kava, Sakau, Tonga, Waka, Wurzelstock, Yagona, Yangona, Yaqona, Yaquon, Yongona.

Kava has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating anxiety.

Other uses not proven with research have included cancer prevention, insomnia, depression, attention deficit disorder, preventing sedative withdrawal symptoms (from medicines such as Valium, Xanax, or Tranzene), and other conditions.

It is not certain whether kava is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Kava should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.


Kava may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What are the possible side effects of kava?


Stop using kava and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

Long-term use of kava may cause serious health problems, including:

  • dry, scaly, flaky skin;
  • yellowed skin, hair, fingernails, or toenails;
  • red eyes, puffy face;
  • decreased ability to absorb protein;
  • weight loss;
  • lung problems;
  • blood in your urine; or
  • blood cell disorders that can make it easier for you to bleed or get sick.

Common side effects may include:

  • drowsiness.


What is the most important information I should know about kava?

Kava is considered unsafe due to many reports of fatal effects on the liver, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

You should not use kava if you have liver disease.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking kava?

Kava is considered unsafe due to many reports of fatal effects on the liver, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Even short-term use (1 to 3 months) may increase your risk of liver damage.

You should not use kava if you have liver disease.


You should not take kava if you are pregnant. Kava may cause weaken muscle tone in the uterus.

Kava can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using kava.


How should I take kava?


If you choose to use kava, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of kava at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

You should have frequent blood tests to check your liver function if you choose to take kava.

If you need surgery, stop taking kava at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with kava does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store kava as directed on the package. In general, kava should be protected from light and moisture and stored in a sealed container.



What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra kava to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?


Long-term use of kava can cause dry, flaking, discolored skin; reddened eyes; a scaly skin rash; puffy face; muscle weakness; blood abnormalities; and feelings of poor health.

What should I avoid while taking kava?


Avoid using kava together with other herbal/health supplements that can also harm the liver. This includes androstenedione, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, germander, niacin (vitamin B3), pennyroyal oil, red yeast, and others.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking kava. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage.

Avoid using kava with other herbal/health supplements that can also cause drowsiness. This includes 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), calamus, California poppy, catnip, gotu kola, Jamaican dogwood, melatonin, St. John's wort, skullcap (or scullcap), valerian, yerba mansa, and others.

What other drugs will affect kava?

Taking kava with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Avoid taking kava together with a sleeping pill or sedative, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Do not take kava without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with kava, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Where can I get more information?



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Reviewed on 2/6/2020

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